Shekhawati covers several
villages and towns in north eastern Rajasthan, which can be
approached from Bikaner, Jaipur, and Delhi and comprises the Sikar and
Jhunijhunu districts. Small towns dot these two districts and contain within
themselves some of the most elaborate havelis, stepwells, and temples. When
you travel around this region, you stumble across some truly marvelous
treasures.
The
entire region of
Shekhawati is known for its exquisite frescoes and
popularly called the "Open art gallery". No other region,
anywhere in the world, has such a large concentrationof frescoes. This is
even more interesting as the landscape here is totally bare- flat and
colourless.
Rao Shekha, the founder of Shekhawati, came to power
at the young age of 12 and established a reign that lasted 43 years. His
power grew steadily and he became a force to reckon with in a very short
period. The Rajput nobles who ruled over the small thikanas, or fiefdoms,
became great patrons of art and financed the frescoes ontheir havelies.
Up to the early 19th century the themes were largely religious.
Other historical events, personages, battle scenes, and folk heroes were
also painted in great detail. These paintings were a record of those times.
By the end of the 19th century, there was a slight change inth patroage. The
business community, Marwaris, found itself in a position of strength. When
the East India Company began to make its presence felt in this part of
Rajasthan, it opened several avenues for the hardworking and enterprising
Marwari.
The fort for Lachmangarh is one of the most impressive
and imposing in Shekhawati. Try to get a bird's eye view of the town below-
it has been designed to resemble the planned city of Jaipur. Ramgarh is
famous not only for the havelis of the Poddars but also for its rustic wood
furniture. Fatehpur has some beautiful frescoes in the Indian as well as
western styles. Particularly noteworthy are the Chamariya and Singhania
havelies. Khatu Shyamji is more famous for its temple of Shri Shyamji and
draws devotees throughout the year. People walk several miles to offer
homage at the temple from all over India.
| » Major Attractions of Shekhawati |
|
Lachhmangarh Fort : One of the most
imposing forts in the Shekhawati region, Lachhmangarh commands a bird’s
eye view of the town modeled to resemble the city plan of Jaipur. Founded in
the early 19th century by Raja Lachhman Singh of Sikar, the town has some
lovely havelis.
Shekhawati Festival : The
Shekhawati Festival held on I0th and 11th February every year is organised
jointly by the State Department of Tourism, District administration of
Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu, and the M.R. Morarka- GDC Rural Research
Foundation. The programmes include a one day tour of the region, camel and
jeep safaris, farm visits, rural games, cultural programmes, havelis
competitions and fireworks.
| » Places to Stay in Shekhawati |
|
Though there are some guest houses and hotels, it is better to
travel down to Jaipur, Sikar or Nawalgarh for a more comfortable stay.
| » How to Get there |
|
Air : Jaipur is the nearest airport, 120 km
away from Shekhawati.
Rail : Mainline railway
joining Delhi, Jaipur,Bikaner crosses Shekhawati
Road
: Shekhawati is 120 km by road from Jaipur. This is the most convenient
way to tour Shekhawati and surrounding areas.
Local
Transport : Jeeps and local buses are available for commuting locally.
One may also hire a taxi from Jaipur or Sikar to visit Shekhawati.
| » General Information |
|
»
Climate :
Summer :Max. - 38.1°C Min. - 27.7°C
Winter
: Max. - 23.3°C Min. - 05.5°C
Rainfall
: 38 to 51 cms.
»
Clothing
: Summer - Light Tropical
Winter:
Woolen
»
Languages :
Rajasthani, Hindi, English
Shekhawati
Tour Packages | Hotels
in Shekhawati
